Newcastle to delay Simpson talks

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that defender Danny Simpson's contract talks have been postponed until after the New Year.

Simpson originally joined the club on loan from Manchester United in August 2009, before completing a permanent transfer in January 2010 - signing a three-and-a-half-year deal.

"Danny will have to wait and see what happens in the window," Pardew said. "The club has most players on long-term contracts and Danny is the exception to that."

Now in the final year of that contract, it was believed that the 25-year-old would be departing Tyneside after he reportedly rejected the club's offer of £25,000 per week in the summer.

This led to suggestions that Simpson's demands were too high - something the player rejected at the end of last season, when he cited a desire for parity with his team-mates.

With Newcastle also actively pursuing Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy during the summer, it appeared Simpson's time with the club was coming to an end - as both Aston Villa and Fulham were credited with an interest.

The club have refused to rule out a return for France international Debuchy in January - however Pardew revealed this week that he believes Simpson is underrated by the club's fans.

"He is underrated by our fanbase, but his defensive work is important," Pardew explained. "Defensively, he can deal with a wide player."